Strange Beasts Audiobook By Susan J. Morris cover art

Strange Beasts

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Strange Beasts

By: Susan J. Morris
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
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In this fresh-yet-familiar gothic tale—part historical fantasy, part puzzle-box mystery—the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes collide in a thrilling exploration of feminine power.

At the dawn of the twentieth century in Paris, Samantha Harker, daughter of Dracula's killer, works as a researcher for the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena. But no one realizes how abnormal she is. Sam is a channel into the minds of monsters: a power that could help her solve the gruesome deaths plaguing turn-of-the-century Paris—or have her thrown into an asylum.

Sam finds herself assigned to a case with Dr. Helena Moriarty, daughter of the criminal mastermind and famed nemesis of Sherlock Holmes and a notorious detective whom no one wants to work with on account of her previous partners' mysterious murders. Ranging from the elite clubs of Paris to the dark underbelly of the catacombs, their investigation sweeps them into a race to stop a beast from its killing rampage, as Hel and Sam are pitted against men, monsters, and even each other. But beneath their tenuous trust, an unmistakable attraction brews. Is trusting Hel the key to solving the murder, or is Sam yet another pawn in Hel's game?

©2024 Susan J. Morris (P)2024 Podium Audio Crime Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy Gaslamp Literature & Fiction Paranormal Paranormal & Urban Science Fiction & Fantasy Detective Fiction Sherlock Holmes Murder

Critic reviews

“A magnificent book . . . of gas lamps and murders, of Paris, of secrets and love, and of finding yourself and trust. I treasure this tale. I hope it’s the first of many, and until those many start appearing, I’ll reread this one. Often.”—Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms

“A riveting gas-lamp fantasy that’s equal parts bloody mystery and flat-out supernatural romp. Morris deftly weaves existing lore—from both the classic literature her characters are born of and a taxonomy handbook’s worth of supernatural creatures—into a vivid feminist tale where the pages fly. A delightful debut bursting with affection for its magical world.”—Melissa Albert, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel Wood

"In Strange Beasts, Susan J. Morris gives readers a subtle alchemy of beauty, poetry, suspense, and horror, nestled perfectly in Paris during the belle epoque . . . Hel and Sam are a stunning pair, fighting monsters in the darkest catacombs, while at the same time fighting against a world that would make monsters of them. A delightfully wicked read.”—Jaleigh Johnson, The New York Times bestselling author of The Mark of the Dragonfly
Strong Female Characters • Clever Plot Twists • Compelling Mystery • Adventurous Storyline • Excellent Performance
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The world is interesting, the characters feel well defined, the mysteries are fascinating, and I can’t wait for more of the story!

Engaging with fantastic characters

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What's not to love about an alternate history supernatural thriller featuring a team up between daughter of Mina and Jonathan Harker (ala Dracula) with the daughter of Professor Moriarty (ala Sherlock Holmes)?

classic horror/mystery mashup

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It was amazing, loved the writing, loved the banter, polar opposites attract and new found love interest. I hope that their will be more to come from Hel and Sam

Loved all of it

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I enjoyed the premise of the story and the main characters, but I found the pacing to be quick and without tension. This story believes in spelling out every detail - which for a murder mystery is a weird take. I look forward to the next installment (if there is one) and hope for better prose and subtext.

Great performance Mid Story

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Strong, interesting characters. Look forward to the next book. Both characters grew as a result of their partnership.

Excellent

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I really enjoyed this book.The narrator did a great job! I hope there is a book two. I need some development on Sam and Hel's relationship. One kiss is a horrible teaser. Lol. I loved the growth of the two characters, hated Mr Right and Van Helsing!
I need to see their romance blossom and see how Sam's powers grow.

Please let there be a book two!

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Story was great. Easy to follow with developed characters. Really enjoyed the read. The bad guy for me was a tad to obvious but overall I loved the story

Paranormal crime fighters

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An exciting romp into an alternate Edwardian past that isn't so much SteamPunk, but WeirdPunk. A generation after the adventures of their famous parents, a new team of investigators has to solve a paranormal mystery, but must also answer the real question - who are actually the beasts? Morris and Zeller make a great team too. Looking forward to more.

What do we want? Edwardian weirdness!

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Honestly, I got the book because I really enjoy the narrator (crazy I know). The story was very good though so I will be looking forward to the next one!

Fantastic narrator, great story!

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Such a welcome spin as a Sherlock Holmes-esque story and especially LOVE the wlw undertones. Wished they could have developed more in this story. But now I just want more!!

A Sherlock holmes sapphic taste

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